Agro-industrial Sector Research Articles

Valorization of Bioactive Compounds from Lingonberry Pomace and Grape Pomace with Antidiabetic Potential.

In recent years, increased attention has been paid to the recovery of bioactive compounds from waste and by-products resulting from the agro-industrial sector and their valorization into new products, which can be used in the health, food, or agricultural industry, as innovative and sustainable approaches to waste management. In this work, two of these by-products resulting from the fruit-processing industry were used for the recovery of bioactive compounds (polyphenols), namely lingonberry pomace (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) and grape pomace (Vitis vinifera). Two green extraction techniques were employed to obtain hydroalcoholic extracts (solvent: 50% EtOH, 10% mass): ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and accelerated solvent extraction (ASE). The extracts were subjected to micro- and ultrafiltration processes, and further analyzed to determine the bioactive compound content through spectrophotometric (UV-Vis) and chromatographic (HPLC-PDA) methods. Additionally, the extracts exhibited significant enzyme inhibition, particularly against α-amylase and β-glucosidase, suggesting potential anti-diabetic properties. The extracts characteristics, polyphenolic content, antioxidant capacity and enzyme inhibitory ability, were statistically compared, and significant differences were found between the two extraction methods. The grape pomace concentrated extracts showed a pronounced inhibitory activity on both analyzed enzymes compared to the lingonberry pomace concentrated extracts, closer to the standard used; e.g., IC50 α-amylase = 0.30 ± 0.01 µg/mL (IC50 acarbose = 0.3 ± 0.01 µg/mL), IC50 α-glucosidase = 0.60 ± 0.01 µg/mL (IC50 acarbose = 0.57 ± 0.02 µg/mL). These findings highlight the potential of agro-industrial residues as bioactive compound resources, with their valorization through application in food, nutraceutical, or pharmaceutical industries therefore contributing to the sustainable development and promotion of circular economy principles with the recovery of valuable inputs from plant by-products.

Foreign experience of state regulation of food security

The world food problem is an economic fact that can lead to significant political consequences. Many experts believe that a spike in food prices is at the root of world revolutions and catastrophes. For example, in the Middle East and Africa, the poor spend about 50 per cent of their income on food, which means that rising prices of basic foodstuffs guarantee an incredibly high impact on household expenditure. At the heart of the global food problem, recurrent food crises, is the advancement of research results in the agro-industrial sector, which prevents the reduction of food prices, even when technical advances make it possible to increase yields in these countries. The current food problem in the development of mankind is that due to irrational and over-intensive use of natural resources, increasing demand for livestock products, increasing per capita food consumption, as well as other factors, there is a steady increase in food prices, which contributes to the emergence of threats to food security in developing countries, including the poorest populations of developed and developing countries. In addition to the above, the problem of adulterated products, the growing trend of popularisation of ‘harmful’ products, the increasing rate of sales of products made with the use of GMOs, and in these conditions, ensuring the safety of food and food raw materials becomes the primary task of the state, as these factors affect the life and health of the population, the preservation of the gene pool of the nation.

ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT OF CLIMATIC FACTORS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURE IN THE TURKESTAN REGION

This article presents an analysis of the impact of climatic factors on agriculture in the Turkestan region, within the context of the interconnection between global warming and the development of the agro-industrial sector. It describes changes in climate, such as temperature fluctuations, precipitation levels, and humidity, and their interaction with agricultural processes. A central focus of the article is the analysis of climate-related threats and the development of adaptation measures aimed at enhancing the resilience of the agricultural sector. Research findings indicate a direct correlation between global warming and agricultural productivity, revealing that the lower the effects of global warming in the region, the higher the likelihood of fluctuations in the yield of various crops. Additionally, a forecast for the gross output of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products (services) by districts, as well as the gross agricultural output by districts in the Turkestan region for 2026, has been conducted.

Promoting decent work in supply chains of the agrifood sector of Hass Avocado in Colombia: A Colombian MNE case study

Thanks to the production massification in the world coupled with the increase in global production chains, it is urgent to review from different points of view, perspectives and sectors how supply chains adopt strategies to promote and encourage fair, equitable and decent labour guarantees. this article addresses the case of the MNE Avofruit S.A.S. BIC - Cartama, currently the principal exporter of Hass avocado in Colombia, which promotes through different strategies adopted by its corporate governance, decent work in its supply chain, as well as in that of its allies. To contextualize the reality in the productive sector, an analysis of sources in which there is data related to employment in the Colombian countryside, in addition to interviews with the staff of the company analyzed as a case study who provide information for the documentation and analysis of the case. The findings reveal that this company, being a reference in the sector, is promoting decent work in its supply chain and that of its allies, as well as encouraging fairer guarantees in the Colombian agricultural sector, becoming an example to follow for other products in the agroindustry sector.

Analisis Kelayakan Usaha dan Nilai Tambah Olahan Kedelai Menjadi Tempe pada UMKM Super Murni Kecamatan Bekasi Selatan Kota Bekasi

Agriculture plays an important role in providing food sources that support the survival of society. The growth of the agro-industrial sector not only provides economic benefits for businesses but also contributes to improving the welfare of farmers and the sustainability of the agricultural sector as a whole. Soybean as a multifunctional crop can be utilised to make various culinary delights including tempeh, a traditional Indonesian food. The main objective of this study, conducted by Super Murni MSME, is to evaluate the added value contributed in one production and the business feasibility of tempe production at Super Murni MSME. By considering prices, inputs, and outputs, a value-added analysis approach using the Hayami method and R/C ratio is needed to determine the feasibility of the company. The results showed that the added value required by Super Murni MSMEs in one production of tempe geblekan reached IDR 23,072 or around 61%, using the value-added ratio, the margin obtained reached IDR 21,348 for tempe geblekan. As for tempe lonjoran, the added value is IDR 35,372 or around 71%, with a profit of IDR 31,205. The calculation of business feasibility using the R/C ratio shows a figure of 1.25 for tempe geblekan which indicates that the Company can develop based on the R/C ratio criteria and an R/C ratio of 1.00 for tempe lonjoran which indicates that this business can be developed because it does not experience losses or profits (break-even) to be operated.

Investigating the Routes to Produce Cellulose Fibers from Agro-Waste: An Upcycling Process

The agriculture and agri-food sectors produce substantial amounts of plant-based waste. This waste presents an identifiable research opportunity to develop methods for effectively eliminating and managing it in order to promote zero-waste and circular economies. Plant-based waste and by-products are acknowledged as valuable sources of bioactive compounds, including cellulose fibers. Direct application of these fibers in non-food sectors such as textiles can reduce the environmental impact of secondary raw materials. This review aims to provide an overview of novel concepts and modern technologies for efficiently utilizing plant-based waste and by-products from the agricultural and agro-industrial sectors to extract fibers for a variety of final applications, including the fashion industry. Two major routes are identified to produce cellulose fibers: the extraction and purification of natural cellulose fibers and the extraction and purification of cellulose pulp that is further processed into manmade cellulosic fibers. Scalability of experimental results at the laboratory or pilot level is a major barrier, so it is critical to develop closed-loop processes, apply standardization protocols, and conduct life cycle assessments and techno-economic analyses to facilitate large-scale implementation.

Transnational corporate counterinsurgency in the Colombian conflict and its legacies today

ABSTRACT This study challenges common-sense thinking on internal violent conflicts in two ways: that they are merely domestic, with limited influence from external actors; and that doing business in conflict-ridden places is detrimental to profits. Drawing on empirical research and theoretical lenses from critical security studies and the political ecology of counterinsurgency, the paper explores the transnational dimensions of Colombia’s violent conflict in relation to the extractive sector. Conceptualising two overall generations of counterinsurgency, the article shows how, during the conflict, several transnational corporations, especially those in the extractive and agro-industrial sector, not only established themselves in Colombia and expanded, they also developed their corporate security schemes. Given that energy projects were strategic targets in the guerrilla war, the protection of corporate infrastructure by the state was justified. The paper argues that the internal conflict not only facilitated corporate extractivism, it also provided innovative ways of ensuring corporate security. This ‘social warfare’ approach includes strategic efforts to win hearts and minds, which continue to be pursued today through practices known as ‘corporate social responsibility’ (CSR). The paper relates this to the current challenges to hold economic actors accountable in transitional justice.

Utilization and Effectiveness of Agro-industrial Digital Marketing in Malang Raya

In the digital era, the agro-industrial sector has transitioned from conventional marketing to digital marketing. One of the agro-industry companies in Malang Raya, ALE, focuses on processing fruits and vegetables into healthy snack chips. The company engages in various digital marketing activities, including sales through e-commerce platforms such as Shopee, Tokopedia, and Lazada, and promotional efforts on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. This research aims to analyze (1) the utilization of digital marketing, and (2) the effectiveness of social media promotion based on engagement rates. The study employs both primary and secondary data, incorporating qualitative and quantitative forms, which are analyzed descriptively using a case study approach. Data collection methods include interviews, observation, and content analysis. The findings highlight the advantages of e-commerce channels, sales strategies like bundling and live streaming on e-commerce platforms, and storytelling and sales promotion strategies on social media. Additionally, the engagement rates on ALE's TikTok (12.71%) and Instagram (4.50%) indicate a high engagement rate level, with values exceeding the 2.72% benchmark, demonstrating the strong effectiveness of these platforms as promotional tools for the company.

AGRICULTURAL CONSULTING AS A TOOL TO ENSURE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SUSTAINABLE RURAL DEVELOPMENT

The article analyzes the current state of implementation of sustainable rural development in Ukraine. Ensuring sustainable rural development today is a priority for all of humanity, which is due to the desire of countries to ensure the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals. It is noted that rural development is an important task aimed at ensuring food security, increasing the competitiveness of agriculture, stimulating economic growth and social development of rural areas in the system of European integration priorities. It is proved that the peculiarities of the functioning of the agro-industrial sector, the processes of digitalization and the consequences of full-scale military operations necessitate the need for highly qualified and multidisciplinary specialists. It is substantiated that the need of small agricultural enterprises for high-quality staffing will only increase in the future, due to the need to revitalize the de-occupied territories of Ukraine and the further rapid development of digital technologies. It is noted that the lion's share of agricultural enterprises in Ukraine is small. These agricultural enterprises are focused on the domestic market, and they ensure the country's food security and sustainable rural development. However, these agricultural enterprises face significant problems with logistics and human resources, high production costs, lack of markets, etc. In addition, most of them are geographically remote from the centers of civilization. All this, as well as the need to eliminate the negative consequences of full-scale military operations in rural areas, further revitalization of the de-occupied territories, and the introduction of digital technologies, make it expedient for small agricultural enterprises to use agro-consulting as a tool for ensuring the implementation of sustainable rural development. It is noted that agricultural consulting in Ukraine is mainly represented by agricultural advisory services. Prospect for further research is the problem of using consulting to optimize the development of rural tourism in Ukraine.

Future prospectives in plantain agro-chain by foresight-by-scenarios and Delphi analysis

Purpose This paper aims to identify future scenarios and convergent technologies regarding the plantain chain in the region of Quindío, Colombia. It proposes the definition of key variables, convergent technologies, future objectives, future scenarios and hypotheses based on stakeholders’ and experts’ opinions collected through questionnaires, surveys and workshops. Design/methodology/approach The present analysis seeks to identify and anticipate the future routes for the improvement of scientific, technological, innovative and skills management of the plantain agroindustrial chain in the region of Quindío, Colombia using the foresight-by-scenarios and, Delphi methodologies and finally validating the results with artificial intelligence code and natural language processing. Findings After the analysis of 100 initial variables, the results suggested the identification of five key variables defined by the stakeholders and matrix-based multiplication applied to a classification (MICMAC) analysis such as “weather,” “financing and economy,” “grouping and associativity,” “crop” and “territorial planning and raw material.” Moreover, the definition of four future objectives along with the matrix of alliances and conflicts, tactics, objectives and recommendations (MACTOR) analysis suggested scenarios according to the probability. The most possible, probable and desirable scenario, was the cooccurrence of the five proposed hypotheses. Furthermore, the Delphi analysis allowed us to define nine subgroups from 116 subtopics including: “plantain varieties,” “plantain agroindustry,” “waste use” and “crop,” among others. Research limitations/implications Due to the specificity of the analyzed agro-chain, the study only encompasses the plantain and banana sectors. However, the implications are related to the generation of projects in the selected technologies. Practical implications This paper includes implications for the development of prospective studies combining two or more different methodologies such as foresight-by-scenarios and Delphi method at the same time and further comparing the results with artificial intelligence analysis. Social implications The generation of public policies in the sector and input for governmental analysis and tools for decision-making with a well-grounded, systematic and rational point of view. Originality/value This work describes for the first time, the implementation of the Delphi method regarding an important agroindustry sector such as plantain and banana prospective study. Furthermore, it explains the alignment of two methodologies; foresight-by-scenarios and the Delphi method related to the sectorial approaches, and convergent technologies and innovations, respectively. Moreover, a complementary bibliometric analysis with global terms related to the plantain or banana agroindustry was also included. In a novel way, we also applied an artificial intelligence code using Python software to contrast the results previously obtained in the foresight-by-scenarios method.

DIGITAL TOOLS FOR MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION

The digitalization of agricultural production has led to the widespread use of mobile technologies for monitoring and managing agricultural processes. Applications and devices such as drones and satellites allow you to receive real-time data on soil conditions, humidity, plant growth, and pest threats. This data helps farmers to make quick decisions on irrigation, fertilization, and crop forecasting. Modern mobile solutions such as AgroMonitor integrate with various data sources and provide accurate information, which increases the efficiency of resource management and reduces production risks. The introduction of these technologies not only helps to increase yields but also ensures the sustainable development of agricultural operations, minimizing the impact of external factors. Thus, digital tools are becoming an important element of the modernization of the agro-industrial sector, contributing to its competitiveness at the global level.

Logical and Situational Analysis of the Possibilities of Innovative Development of the Agroindustrial Sector

The author has identified a low level of innovative development of the agroindustrial complex and the reasons for the delay in its growth in comparison with other industries and types of economic activity in Russia. The consequence is a noticeable trend of changes in the positive dynamics of economic efficiency indicators of agricultural production in the recent past. This trend indicates weakening Russia’s food security. The article considers one of the possible options for import substitution of innovative means of production used in the agroindustrial sector in the conditions of external economic isolation of the country. It implies the participation of the state in supporting the development and assimilation of knowledge embodied in the real economy as well as in the financing of national innovative solutions. The option under consideration has the following features: selection on a competitive basis and priority financing of means of production with a high technological potential, which are most in demand among agroindustrial enterprises; reimbursement of payment for information on the state of the markets for technology, means of production, resources, food, raw materials provided by IT specialists, as well as for making calculations to optimize the structure and volumes of production, product exports and technological training to enterprises. This kind of financial support is provided in addition to the current practice of state compensation for losses to low-profit agricultural businesses. An experimental scheme for making decisions on priority financing of innovations is examined. The creators of these innovations are economic entities with the highest indicators of production activities and a high probability of fulfilling an order for the output of innovative products. The list of indicators includes many quantitative and qualitative characteristics. This means that the problem is classified as one that can be solved by using algorithms of multiple criteria modeling.

USING DIGITAL PLATFORMS FOR REPORTING IN THE IMPLEMENTATION AND EVALUATION OF ESG STRATEGIES

The article discusses modern approaches to using digital platforms for reporting and, implementing and evaluating ESG strategies. The role of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in ensuring the sustainable development of enterprises and society is analyzed. The importance of implementing digital platforms for collecting, processing, and analyzing data, which allow for increased efficiency and transparency of reporting, has been proven. The main advantages and challenges facing enterprises using such platforms are characterized mainly by increasing the trust of investors and other interested parties. The use of digital platforms in reporting allows for the automation of data collection processes, integrating various sources of information into one system. This significantly reduces the risk of errors and increases the accuracy of data, which is crucial for making informed management decisions. The article also addresses the issues of transparency and credibility of reporting, which are ensured by process automation and the use of technologies such as blockchain. This helps to increase the trust of investors and other stakeholders, improve the company’s reputation, and attract additional investments. A significant advantage of digital platforms is their integration with existing management systems, which saves existing IT infrastructure investments and reduces the costs of introducing new technologies. However, implementing digital platforms is not without challenges. These include cybersecurity issues, the protection of confidential data, the high costs of implementing new technologies, and the need to adapt existing business processes to new conditions. The article presents the successful use of digital platforms for reporting in the agro-industrial sector, positively impacting management and decision-making processes. The study concluded the development prospects of digital technologies in ESG reporting and their importance for long-term economic growth and sustainable development. Integrating digital platforms into reporting processes contributes to increased efficiency, transparency, and data reliability, ensuring the sustainable development of business and society.

Последствия распространения коронавируса COVID-19 и новых штаммов для развития агропромышленного комплекса и потребительского рынка

The COVID-19 pandemic has become an example of the implementation of global biological threats, which are positioned as challenges to the economy, including the agricultural sector. The subject of the study was changes in food production and in the consumer market for agricultural products amid the consequences of the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus and potentially dangerous new strains. Since the volume and structure of agricultural exports can serve as indicators of overcoming the challenge to the agro-industrial complex from the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, including in conjunction with the influence of the sanctions policies of Western countries, the object of the study was changes in the main indicators of exports of the agro-industrial complex of the Russian Federation at the federal and regional levels for first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. Changes in the main indicators of exports of agricultural products were studied both at the federal and regional levels, using the example of agricultural enterprises in the Voronezh region, for the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. As a background for studying the subject field of indicators for overcoming the challenge to the agro-industrial sector from the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in the field of food production and in the consumer market for agricultural products were identified and studied. An overview of the main exporting companies in the Voronezh region is presented for the following types of products: grains (wheat, corn, barley); meat and dairy products (pork and pork by-products, beef, butter); products of the oil and fat industry (sunflower oil, cakes, mustard oil). The priority trend for the Russian Federation is the development of deep processing of crop products, in particular grain crops. The basis is the trend of growing consumer demand for food products of plant origin, including those that imitate traditional meat and dairy products. A trend has been noted for the production and consumption of organic products, the implementation of which will contribute to the growth of the competitiveness of domestic agricultural products in the domestic and foreign markets. An important factor in increasing the competitiveness of domestic food in the global and domestic markets is the expansion of production of organic crop and livestock products based on a single unified database of agricultural land that meets the legally established requirements for this category of products.

Організаційно-економічні засади диверсифікації структури капіталу підприємств аграрного виробництва

Diversification and changes in the capital structure play an essential role in the agricultural industry’s reform, affecting the country’s productivity, competitiveness, and food security. Optimizing the equity and debt capital ratio helps increase enterprises’ investment attractiveness and financial stability. In this regard, the research aims to define and justify the organizational and economic principles of diversification of the capital structure of agricultural enterprises. The main principles of the transformational processes of the agro-industrial industry, caused by the diversification of the structure of capital forms, have been formed. The advantages of directing the diversification of the capital of enterprises in the direction of the growth of part of the equity capital are substantiated, which include increasing the financial stability of the enterprises of the industry, improving the productivity of production activities, reducing the risks associated with the credit load, increasing the investment attractiveness of enterprises, increasing competitiveness, improving long-term development prospects agricultural industry. The main directions of activating the growth of the equity capital of agro-industrial enterprises are proposed, which include expansion of equity financing, use of financial instruments, implementation of enterprise restructuring, optimization of costs in the direction of reduction, improvement of the productivity of the enterprise’s production activities, introduction of leasing and crowdfunding into financial activities. It is substantiated that the strategy for the development of enterprises in the agro-industrial sector of Ukraine during the crisis should focus on technological restructuring, long-term investments, and capitalization. Improving infrastructure that supports economic growth, job creation, and food security while considering environmental and health concerns plays an important role. Keywords: diversification, equity capital, loan capital, optimization, competitiveness, agricultural production enterprises.

Do Digitalization and Startups Contribute to the Development of the Agroindustry Sector?

Do Digitalization and Startups Contribute to the Development of the Agroindustry Sector?

Hydrothermal Carbonization of Residual Biomass from Agricultural and Agro-Industrial Sector

Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) is a promising method for the conversion of agricultural and agro-industrial residues into valuable products. HTC processes biomass through chemical reactions that produce hydrochar, a carbon-rich solid similar to lignite. Unlike other thermochemical processes, HTC can handle high-moisture biomass without pre-drying. This article evaluates the efficiency of HTC on wood chips, wheat straw, and grape pomace, examining their chemical and structural characteristics and critical operational parameters such as the temperature, pressure, biomass/water ratio, and reaction time. The obtained results highlight that the two key process parameters are the temperature and the ratio between the solid biomass and liquid phase. Increasing the first parameter increases the energy content by 20% and increases the carbon concentration by up to 50%, while reducing the oxygen content by 30% in the hydrochar. Varying the second parameter leads to the alternating reduction of the ash content but simultaneously reduces the energy content. The reaction time seems to have a limited influence on the quality parameters of the biochar produced. Lastly, HTC appears to successfully enhance the overall quality of widely available agricultural wastes, such as grape pomace.

Современные проблемы обеспечения продовольственной безопасности

The article examines the problems of food security and the sequence of their identification, by reviewing the main indicators of food security, analyzing some of them, forecasting for the period 2023-2025. Such an indicator as the consumer price index for basic food products, and also suggests ways to solve the problems of food supply. During the implementation of theoretical studies, the assumption was confirmed that the main solution to the problem of food security for the country's population is to stimulate the agro-industrial sector to increase production volumes with the active use of import substitution.

Повышение эффективности экспорта сельскохозяйственной продукции в условиях санкционного давления

The article considers modern trends in the development of the export potential of agricultural products in the conditions of the modern concept of production and sale of products in this commodity area. The purpose of the study is to identify current trends in improving the efficiency of exports of agricultural products in the face of increased competition in the global food markets. The relevance of this study lies in the fact that increasing the indicators of exports of agricultural products will minimize the supply pressure on the domestic market of agricultural products. The article discusses issues related not only to the expansion of the export component in the activities of various forms of production of agricultural products, but also possible options for joint participation in the process of optimizing the export of food products. As part of the study, various concepts of international trade were analyzed and studied, their detailed analysis was carried out and positive aspects were identified that can be used to improve the efficiency of exports of products of the agro-industrial sector of the economy.

ЦИФРОВОЕ СЕЛЬСКОЕ ХОЗЯЙСТВО: ОПЫТ РОССИЙСКИХ РЕГИОНОВ

The article is devoted to certain aspects of digitalization of the Russian agro-industrial complex in the regional context. The task of increasing the efficiency of agricultural activities and the transition to import-substituting food production is key in modern conditions of sanctions pressure and trade restrictions. One of the effective solutions to this task is the large-scale digitalization of the agro-industrial sector in all regions of Russia. The article reveals the most popular digital solutions currently used by Russian agricultural enterprises. Among them are precision agriculture, precision animal husbandry, agricultural robotization, artificial intelligence, and drone technologies. Precision agriculture and precision animal husbandry are considered in the context of individual regions. It is proved that the leading positions in the field of application of precision farming elements belong to such Russian regions as the Krasnodar Territory, the Voronezh Region and the Belgorod Region. Krasnodar Region is also one of the leaders in the use of digital elements in the livestock sector. Along with it, the leading regions for the use of precision livestock farming solutions are the Udmurt Republic, the Altai Territory, and the Sverdlovsk Region. As a result of the study, it was concluded that an increasing number of agricultural enterprises use digital solutions in their practice. This, on the one hand, allows agricultural producers to receive additional benefits associated with increased productivity and efficiency, and on the other hand, creates new problems in terms of high costs for the introduction of digital technologies and a shortage of qualified IT agri-specialists. Each agricultural enterprise has to independently find a compromise between the possible benefits and costs of digitalization.